Now that you’ve planted your succulents, the next step is the easiest …
While there are many different varieties of succulents, they all require similar care. To begin, we’ll divide the steps of management into two categories, indoor and outdoor.
INDOOR CARE
First and foremost, make sure you place your sedum planter near a window. Succulents require an abundance of sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Besides sunlight, watering is the other area of care that deserves attention. Because succulents enjoy a drier soil than most plants, there is a fine line between too little and too much water.
The easiest way to tell when it’s time for your plant babies to get a drink is when the soil is dry. When this is obvious, use a watering can, pitcher, cup, or a similar device, and dispense water until it comes out of the drainage hole underneath. Eventually, the succulent will drink the water and the soil will dry. As soon as this is obvious, water your plants again.
OUTDOOR CARE
While growing succulents inside is an option they flourish outside. Keeping them outdoors ensures they get an abundance of sunlight and natural air ventilation.
Succulents will flourish in any type of climate during some point of the year. Temperate climates will accommodate them best; if you are planting succulents in the ground, the temperate environment is preferable. Other climates, including those whose summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees and/or winter temperatures that drop below freezing, are less favorable and require more attention. If you live in a climate that isn’t ideal for succulents year round, planting them in moveable containers makes it easy to transport your plants indoors when weather is unfavorable. With that being said, it is important to choose succulents that favor your specific climate. Being that you are in the care-stage of the planting process hopefully you have already taken this into consideration.
Watering your outdoor succulents is similar to indoor. Once the soil is dry, water your plants till the soil is saturated. It is important to keep in mind that outdoor areas receive more sunlight than those indoors, resulting in soil drying out more frequently.
Remember, succulents require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Make sure the area is not too shady or else your plants will stretch to find sunlight.
A more tedious detail is acclimating the plant to it’s new environment. You want to gradually adjust your succulent from the climate it has previously lived in to the area you have chosen for it. For example, your plant has spent it’s life at the nursery in a partially shady area, but you want to move it into an area that has more sunlight. Before planting in the ground, you spend days moving it from a more shady area to that of which you have selected. This will avoid getting sunburnt and/or death.
Ok green thumb, now it’s time to get at it! Following these simple guidelines will make you feel like a professional gardener in no time!